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Play Pickleball at the Y

pickleball

Being a leader in health and fitness, we are proud to be a host for one of the fastest growing sports in America: pickleball! Combining elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong, pickleball is played with solid paddles and a perforated ball similar to a wiffle ball on a short solid court with a low net. 

Pickleball is a sport that works for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy to learn. While it does have its own set of quirky rules, these unique rules favor players with less mobility and allow active adults to compete successfully with younger competitors. Build a little skill, and it can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game. 

With a shorter court and lightweight paddles, pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. Doubles involve longer rallies, lower physical demands and more opportunities for court banter providing endless opportunity for individual improvement and learning subtle techniques. The game is also quick, making it a convenient way to get in some exercise. Games in a typical league run only 15 minutes each.  

Playing pickleball, like other forms of exercise, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and lead to a better, healthier you. But unlike walking on the treadmill or using other machines in the wellness center, this is a socially oriented game that keeps you engaged from beginning to end!

WHERE TO PLAY

We offer many different program options for anyone looking to expand on their skills or just play for the love of the game.

  • Open play 
  • Tournaments 
  • Clinics (varies by branch)
  • Private lessons 

CURRENT LOCATIONS

Rancho Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts 
  • Open Play: Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00am - 1:00pm
  • Clinics: Learn the game and build skills at a clinic (schedule varies)
  • Private lessons: Private pickleball lessons are now available in 3 or 6 session packages and will take place from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
  • Contact Morgan Cavanaugh, [email protected], for information.

Dan McKinney Family YMCA 

  • Outdoor courts
  • All levels: Fridays, 9:00am - 10:30am
  • Please check in at the front desk before attending.
  • Contact Geraldine Cui, [email protected], for more information.

Jackie Robinson Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts
  • Advanced: Monday and Thursday, 8:30am - 11:00am
  • All levels:
    • Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:30am - 11:00am
  • No reservations required.
  • Contact Jasmine Monterroso, [email protected] for more information.

Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA 

  • Indoor courts
  • All levels:
    • Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 6:00am - 9:00am
    • Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30am - 9:00am
    • Sunday: 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • Contact Brian Wagner, [email protected], for information.

Mission Valley YMCA

  • Indoor courts
  • Intermediate/advanced: Monday/Wednesday, 8:00am -11:00am and Friday, 8:00am - 9:25am
  • Beginner/intermediate: Tuesday/Thursday, 8:00am - 11:00am and Friday, 9:30am - 11:00am
  • Family Play:
    • Sunday: 3:00pm - 4:30pm
  • All levels:
    • Friday: 5:30pm - 9:00pm
    • Saturday: 3:45pm - 6:00pm
  • Clinics: Learn the game or build your skills at one of our clinics (schedule varies).
  • Tournaments: Next tournament: Spring Fling on Friday, May 12 at 8:00am. Sign up now to compete!
  • House Rules: Read the house rules for playing pickleball at the Mission Valley Y.
  • Contact Cara Beltran, [email protected], for more information or to schedule private lessons.

Toby Wells YMCA 

  • Indoor courts: Studio 4
  • Two courts are available for open play
  • All levels:
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
    • Sundays, 10:45am - 12:45pm
  • Bring your own equipment.
  • Courts available for rental! Reserve your court today.

How To Play

The ball is served underhand so contact with the ball is made below waist level. The server hits from behind the baseline on one side of the center line and aims diagonally to the opponent’s service zone. Only the serving side may score. Play ends for a point when one side commits a fault. The first side scoring 11 points, leading by at least two points, wins the game. Tournament games may be played to 15 or 21 points.

Rules of Pickleball

A pickleball game is 11 points, and players can only score points when they, or their team, has the serve. Matches must be won by two points - meaning if one team as 11 points and another has 10, play continues until the higher scoring team is 2 points ahead. 

Much like tennis or other racket sports, there are rules about serving and receiving a serve, places on the court that are out of play, etc. Visit USAPA and read a comprehensive list of rules.

Who Can Play

Pickleball is enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities thanks to its ease of play, making it a great family sport. The game is being introduced to kids and teens in physical education classes, and its popularity is catching on with all age groups. Additionally, retirement communities have adopted pickleball as an activity for residents. It is a unique sport in that teens and seniors can play each other.